Frederick Joel Hansen

Frederick Joel HANSEN 4/4/1936 ~ 2/11/2011 Frederick was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Joseph and Florence (Scansen) Hansen, but his family soon moved to Seattle with the advent of World War II. While his father worked in the shipyard, a young 'Freddy' joined the Boy Scouts, going on monthly hiking and camping trips in the surrounding Cascade and Olympic mountains; it was an experience he always cherished. A graduate of West Seattle HS, Fred enlisted in theU.S. Army and headed overseas, getting stationed in Zweibrucken, Germany, where his love for travel and the outdoors grew. He explored Europe, sampling the different cultures (and beers) and summited the Matterhorn in the process. Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, Fred attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, where he met his wife, Marilyn Paulson. They married in 1965 and settled in northern California, enjoying bowling and boating with friends and relatives; two sons soon followed. While his work was with the Veterans Administration, his passion was climbing, conquering many of the highest peaks of the Cascades, as well as cars, always buying and selling (and buying again!). Fred and his family returned to the northwest, making a home in Bremerton, WA, where he was dedicated to his church, Emmanuel Lutheran, acting as church president, and his children's education, becoming PTA president. And his love for adventure never subsided, traveling to Mexico with his 'primos and tios', or making impromptu trips to Europe. But what Fred was probably best remembered for was his ability to tell a story, entertain, and put a smile on your face. No party was complete without 'Coco'; his humor will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and two sons: Jens (Robin) of Bellevue and Kristian (Marla) of Glendale, CA., grandchildren: D.J., Gunnar, Soren, and Ella, who loved to hear Grandpa Coco's stories.; his sister, Bernice Oldaker (Clayton) and a number of cousins. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Bremerton, WA. Memorials can be made in Fred's name to the Boy Scouts of America or Pacific Lutheran U., Tacoma, WA. Mueller's Chapel of the Falls is in charge of arrangements. The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.